Flybe

About Flybe

Flybe, the largest regional airline in Europe, collapsed on March 5, 2020. The airline operated 38 percent of UK domestic flights. A consortium including Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Group had acquired Flybe in 2019. The UK government considered providing emergency funding but declined. The collapse left many regional UK airports without scheduled service. Approximately 2,000 jobs were lost. The COVID pandemic that began weeks later made any rescue impossible. The Flybe brand was acquired by Thyme Opco, which planned to relaunch in 2022. The relaunched Flybe operated briefly in 2023 before collapsing again. The case demonstrated the vulnerability of regional airlines to fuel costs, competition, and economic conditions.